The tabernacle of God is with men

Revelation  21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

From the beginning of creation, there has always been a desire within the heart of humanity to dwell in the presence of God. In Genesis, Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden, enjoying unbroken fellowship. But because of sin, humanity was driven out, and that fellowship was fractured.

Throughout the Old Testament, God made provision to be near His people despite the reality of sin. He instructed Moses to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8). 

This tabernacle was a tent, a portable dwelling, symbolizing God's desire to be near His people even in their wandering. It pointed to a future reality, a time when God would dwell among His people in a more intimate, and permanent way.

Even after the temple was built by Solomon, it was never the ultimate goal. The tabernacle and the temple served as temporary signs of a deeper promise, a promise that is fully realized in the new heavens and the new earth.

The tabernacle and temple found their ultimate fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, *“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”* The word “dwelt” here can be translated as “tabernacled.” Jesus Christ was the living, breathing tabernacle of God, the place where heaven and earth met, where God’s presence was fully realized on earth. He embodied what the tabernacle and temple had pointed toward for centuries.

Through Jesus, the barrier of sin was broken. On the cross, He tore the veil that separated us from God, making direct communion with Him possible again. Through the Holy Spirit, He now dwells within the hearts of believers, making us living temples (1 Corinthians 6:19).

However, even as we live with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we still anticipate the day when God’s presence will be fully manifested in the new creation. This is the hope proclaimed in Revelation 21:3.

Revelation 21:3 speaks to the ultimate culmination of God’s redemptive plan. *“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”*

This is the final and eternal dwelling of God with His people. In the new heavens and the new earth, there will be no temple because God Himself will be the temple (Revelation 21:22). His presence will saturate every corner of existence. 

There will be no more separation, no more veils, no more distance between God and His people. We will live forever in His presence, he will wipe aways our tears, there will be no more death, sorrow or pain, and He will be our God, and we will be His people in a way that is fuller and deeper than ever before.

Imagine the glory of that moment: all suffering, pain, sin, and death are no more. Everything that once separated us from the presence of God is gone. His glory will be our light, His love will be our sustenance, and His face will be our eternal joy. This is what we were created for, this is the ultimate homecoming of our souls.

So what does this mean for us today?

First, it reminds us of our destiny. This world is not our home; we are pilgrims, sojourners, and citizens of heaven. 

Second, it encourages us in our present struggles. Whatever trials we face, we do not face them alone. God is already dwelling with us through His Spirit, and one day He will dwell with us in a more glorious way. 

Finally, it calls us to worship. As we anticipate the coming reality of God’s dwelling with us, we are invited to live lives of worship now. Worship is not just an act we do on Sundays, but a lifestyle of acknowledging God’s presence with us.

In conclusion, the God who created the universe desires to dwell with you. The God who came in flesh as Jesus Christ, who walked among us and gave His life for us, is preparing a place where we will dwell with Him forever.

Let us live in that hope. Let us hold fast to that promise. And let us worship the God who has drawn near to us, and who will one day be with us in perfect glory forever.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord. Grant us the grace to be worthy of your presence in pit daily life in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord, count us worthy in the new heaven and the new earth in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.